SHARE:

A youthful, optimistic Belgium get their World Cup rolling against Algeria.

Belgium had to overthrow a stunning first half from Algeria to get their World Cup campaign set, but it would take a resolved effort from the subs bench to do so.

Mexico 1 - 0 Cameroon

Oribe Peralta (62')

Friday 13 June 2014

Kick-off: 5pm BST (UK time)

Estádio das Dunas, Natal

Group A, World Cup Game #2

- See more at: http://www.tsmbrazil.com/2014/06/WorldCup-Game2-MEXCMR_13.html#sthash.P8bOtK6q.dpuf

BELGIUM 2 - 1 ALGERIA

Sofiane Feghouli (penalty 25'), Marouane Fellaini (70')

Tuesday 17 June 2014

5pm BST (UK time)

Estádio Mineirão, Belo Horizonte

Group H, World Cup Game #15

Approached casually from the outset, neither side really influenced the game in the opening ten minutes. Belgium controlled the ball and picked out nice passes in the final third, but Algeria were able to cut them down after and there counter attacks would never really materialize. Algeria's core focus was pressing in the final third and as a result, Belgium had little space to exploit and create chances. Riyad Mahrez snatched at a chance to threaten Courtois down the other end when he caught Van Buyten, but he hesitated and his shot withered away.Belgium's first significant chance came after 20 minutes, when Witsel smashed his shot at Algerian keeper Adi Mbohli. Jan Vertonghen would make a sloppy foul when Algeria were looking most threatening with a cross from the left. Tugging at Sofiane Feghouli, a penalty was awarded and the Tottenham man was booked. Fegouhli stepped up and coolly converted the penalty down the middle.Belgium enjoyed their best spell to that point in the end of the first half. Hazard accelerated through and set up Nacer Chadli but he couldn't get his foot behind it and struck it tamely. Witsel's long shot tested the Algerian keeper although coming straight at him.The Belgians knew their work was cutout for them when the half time whistle blew. Algeria stunned them with one of their rare chances.Belgium did make changes over the break and were more tactically on the ball. Attacking play was aided by the introduction of Fellaini, having an impact in the 70th minute. Fellaini would rise with his eccentric afro and head home to put Belgium back in it.Less than five minutes later, Belgium would be ahead, courtesy of another substitute, Mertens.Eden Hazard broke away and had Mertens free down the right, the sub picked it up and smashed across goal to put the Europeans up.Belgium had suddenly flipped the game around. Substitutes had taken full effect and they had pulled through.Match breakdownMan of the Match: Marouane FellainiFlop of the Match: Romelu LukakuPossession: Belgium 16-3 AlgeriaShots: Belgium 67% - 33% AlgeriaBuffering... BelgiumBelgium really took long to establish their identity in the game. Hence, they were down by half time. Simply put, their lack of urgency and creativity meant they were shorthanded for a large duration. Obviously the half time strategics worked well. It took some time, but Belgium finally got into the right gear.